GREATER HALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (GHCC) NEWS RELEASE:
“The community’s Annual Arbor Day Celebration is Friday, February 20 at 10 a.m. at Elachee Nature Science Center. Open to the public, the event is coordinated by the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Hall County Master Gardeners, Keep Hall Beautiful and Georgia Power. Festivities include student contest recognition and a joint City of Gainesville/Hall County proclamation with Tree City USA recognition.
The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee and the Georgia Forestry Service will recognize winners of the 2026 Arbor Day Student Art and Essay Contest. Seventy-five student art entries and 50 essays were submitted with the topic “I Speak for the Trees.”
Student Award Recipients
5th Grade Essay Award Recipients:
1st place: Lola Defenbau, Sardis Enrichment School
Runner Up: Banks Fowler, Enota Multiple Intelligence Academy
Runner Up: Sonny Baize, Enota Multiple Intelligence Academy
3rd Grade Art Award Recipients:
1st Place: Amy Nazari, Enota Multiple Intelligence Academy
Runner Up: Jade Green, Centennial Arts Academy
Runner Up: Averi Rodriguez, Chicopee Woods Elementary
Vision 2030’s “What A Tree Means to Me” Visionary Award recognizes a student for an outstanding piece of art showcasing the connections and impact that trees have on our health and our community. The winner of the 2026 Visionary Award is “Friendship Tree” by Reese Williams, Enota Multiple Intelligence Academy.
For information on Arbor Day or other Greater Hall Chamber Community Development programs, including Agribusiness programs and Business & Residential Beautification Awards, contact Robin Halstead, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, 770-532-6206 x 101. Email: [email protected]